Here are 5 major stories (lies, all lies!!) our parents used to keep us in line back then:


1. Ojuju Calabar

I don’t know if Ojuju Calabar is the Nigerian version of the Boogey man. Or maybe it’s a masquerade. All I know is that in my house:
Ojuju Calabar will come and get any disobedient and errant child.
Funny how we were all scared of Ojuju Calabar but have never seen one. Even today!


2. Fruit seeds growing out of in your stomach.

Every Nigerian child has heard a version of this one. Ever had your parents tell you that if you swallowed a seed (say orange seed) that an orange tree will grow out of your head after a week?
Many Naija kids didn’t sleep because we were too worried about becoming a walking and talking orange tree.


3. The fish and drinking water story

This story was specifically invented for those children who won’t eat their food but will eat the fish on top and drink lots of water.


4. Coconut water and dullards

I’m sure the reason why many of us stayed away from coconut and it’s water was because our parents told us that coconut water makes children dull.



5. Sticky Gum in Stomachs

Remember when your parents told you that if you swallowed gum, it would stick in your stomach and cause problems? Yeah, we were all told that too.



:DWhat other stories did your parents tell to keep you in line?

Thunder and lightening... Making funny sounds with your mouth to stop it from firing you, chaiii

sometimes were not told to us by our parent... sometimes from 'mummy said...'

i was told that blowing whistle in the afternoon will attract snakes

They used to tell us that making good grades is the ticket to success in life.

Wen u mistakenly swallow orange seed. U go feel like pesin wey don see death
Cos ur mama don tell u say if u swallow orange seed e go grow for your head..